Cleric urges dialogue on proposed tariff hike

By Adeboye Ado
The Chief Imam of Erusu Akoko, Sheikh Rasak Aliu, has called for a dialogue between the government and labour leaders over the planned protests against the proposed hike in telecommunication tariffs.
Sheikh Aliu made this appeal during his sermon in Erusu Akoko, situated in the Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He warned that the proposed tariff increase, if implemented alongside recent hikes in electricity and transportation costs, could exacerbate the nation’s economic difficulties.
He stated, “If the government goes ahead with this tariff increase while we are still struggling with hikes in electricity and transportation costs, things will only get worse for the people. The hardship is already unbearable, and adding more burdens will only push Nigerians deeper into suffering.”
The Imam further urged the government to engage in talks with labour leaders to prevent the planned nationwide strike, which he suggested would cripple socio-economic activities across the country.
“I urge the government to sit down with labour leaders and find a solution. A nationwide strike will cripple socio-economic activities and make life even harder for everyone. This is not the time for conflict, this is the time for dialogue,” he said.
Sheikh Aliu also appealed to religious leaders, calling for their intervention.
“We, as religious leaders, must not stay silent. We must intervene sincerely and help settle this dispute before it escalates. Our people are looking up to us for guidance, and we must not fail them,” he said.
Additionally, the cleric called on the Federal Government to fully implement local government autonomy, emphasising that rural communities should benefit from the dividends of democracy.